Effort looks to increase air service

Efforts to attract more airline service to the Flathead Valley is getting greater attention and one grant could help make service between Glacier Park International Airport and Los Angeles a reality.

It’s an effort the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with several businesses and groups, have decided to stand behind.

GPIA has applied for a $500,000 grant from the federal government to help fund Allegiant Air service non-stop flights to L.A. If successful the grant requires matching funds from the community. The chamber and visitors bureau boards both recently pledged $2,500 each toward the grant.

While $50,000 is needed in matching funds, Airport Director Cindi Martin, said an additional $10,000 was received in pledges for the grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“Allegiant Air has expressed interest in providing service from the L.A. area,” she said. “The support has been from both civic and private groups. It’s very broad support and we hope that will be in our favor.”

Los Angeles is the largest market area that passengers at GPIA travel to that doesn’t have direct service, she noted, which gives the route high potential sustainability.

Chamber Director Kevin Gartland said obtaining increased air service is beneficial.

“We feel it’s important to improve our service for tourists, residents and the business community,” he said.

Rhonda Fitzgerald, who chairs the state Tourism Advisory Council and serves on the board of the visitors bureau, said the service could benefit not just those looking to fly out of GPIA, but also bring visitors to the Flathead Valley.

“If we are able to get service it increases our ability to attract winter visitors,” she said. “The convention bureau wants to build the winter and shoulder season and this could be a really great possibility to expand.”

Fitzgerald noted that the bureau is looking into doing marketing in the L.A. area and in the San Francisco area. Allegiant added service to the Bay Area at the beginning of the year.

“It doesn’t do any good if we can’t get the word out,” she said.

In addition to the grant, a new nonprofit organization is spearheading efforts to further support increased air service at GPIA.

Tentatively dubbed the Glacier AERO or Glacier Airline Enhancement and Retention Organization, the new group is expected to work with the airport board to create strategies and identify ways to expand service.

Martin said many communities have similar groups that help with the private fundraising needed.

Airlines often ask for a minimum revenue guarantee to ensure a route is financially successful while building up travel clientele. The community provides this guarantee.

“If a route isn’t proven the carrier wants to make sure it will receive a certain amount of money,” Martin said. “Airport funds can’t be used for this — it has to come from the community.”

The Glacier AERO is organizing, filing for nonprofit status and recruiting a board of directors. Whitefish Chamber trustee Paul Johannsen, who sits on the Flathead County Economic Development Authority board, will serve as the initial chairman.

Once its up and working the group will assist the airport in planning for increased service. Martin said the group would assist the airport in seeking out opportunities such as the recent grant.

“It’s better to be proactive,” Martin said. “This is a step in the right direction.”

Martin said GPIA will likely know the outcome of the federal DOT grant in late-July or August. There were 61 applications for the grant.